(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — The Colorado State Board of Education approved two accountability pathways for Galileo Middle School in Colorado Springs and La Junta Intermediate School.

According to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), the two schools had gotten either a Priority Improvement Plan or Turnaround Plan, indicating those schools’ performance was not meeting expectations for five consecutive years on the state’s School Performance Framework.

Galileo Middle School

Galileo Middle School in Colorado Springs School District 11 is the first school to use a community school pathway since it was added as an option in 2022. A state review panel noted the school’s positive adaptation to a district-provided partnership involving instructional coaching. CDE said Galileo is closely tracking academic growth and providing targeted interventions for students.

CDE reported that Galileo had significantly reduced behavior incidents and increased daily attendance rates. Galileo will continue implementing a community school model and will look to continue improving over the school year.

La Junta Intermediate School

La Junta Intermediate School, which serves third through sixth-grade students in East Otero School District, approached the board with a plan that included a strong focus on quality instruction and school culture, according to CDE.

The school is working with an external partner, TNTP, to strengthen grade-level instruction in math and English language arts, while increasing foundational reading skills. The partnership also has the goal of helping in teacher development, recruitment, and retention.

The Colorado board has requested both schools return for review following the 2027 School Performance Framework results if needed.